Lactams are a class of cyclic amides that contain a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to a nitrogen atom within a ring structure. They are important in organic chemistry and are often used in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals. The size of the ring can vary, leading to different types of lactams, such as β-lactams, which are crucial in the development of antibiotics like penicillin. These compounds play a significant role in medicinal chemistry due to their ability to inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis. This mechanism makes lactams effective against a range of bacterial infections. Their unique structure allows for diverse applications in drug design and development.